Services Provided

The NF clinical care team includes a neurologist specializing in neurofibromatosis, a physical therapist, a nurse practitioner and a patient care coordinator who help to oversee a patient’s treatment, special needs, and with identifying available support resources.

In addition, specialized assessments are performed during the clinic visit to identify children requiring additional services.

David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, Director
Dr. Gutmann is an internationally recognized expert in NF, and was a member of the research group that identified the entire NF1 gene. He has twenty years of experience in the care of children and adults with NF, and directs a large basic science research laboratory working on NF. Dr. Gutmann also founded and leads the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center, a collaborative research center composed of clinicians and laboratory scientists focused on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and its application to the care of individuals with NF.

Anne C. Albers, PNP, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Anne is a pediatric nurse practitioner with expertise in the care of individuals with NF. She works very closely with Dr. Gutmann to ensure that all possible services are provided to patients and their families. She also assists in coordinating services between the members of the multidisciplinary team.

Courtney Dunn, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Courtney graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelors degree in physical therapy in 1995 and completed a doctorate of physical therapy with a pediatric emphasis in 2010. As the primary physical therapist in the NF clinic, her role is two-fold. Courtney screens the motor skills of children with NF1 in the clinic to identify delays as early as possible, allowing for prompt treatment. Then, when needed, Courtney provides physical therapy services and resources for our children, including outpatient therapy, school-based services and community-based services.

Amy Westfall, ODT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Amy completed her graduate studies in Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine in 2004, during which time she focused on identifying the long-term effects of childhood cancer. She currently acts as the primary occupational therapist for the SLCH Neurofibromatosis Program and coordinates care with Anne Albers and Courtney Dunn.

Vicki G. Kuchnicki
Clinic Patient Care Coordinator
Vicki works closely with Anne Albers, nurse practitioner, to coordinate the complex care services for our patients and their families. During NF Clinic, Vicki meets with each family to provide screening materials, NF binders, and a summary of their individualized follow-up plan.

Taylor Ferguson
Team NF Program Coordinator
Taylor graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience.  She works directly with Dr. David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, to coordinate the numerous events, activities and clinical studies currently offered by the Washington University Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center.  Taylor also consents patients for participation in the NF1 Genome Project and monitors the NF1 Patient Registry Initiative with Dr. Kimberly Johnson.

In addition, the NF Center has full access to the expertise of other Washington University specialists specializing in the fields of:

Audiology		Neurosurgery		Radiology
Cardiology		Oncologic Ophthalmology		Social Work
Dentistry / Pedodontistry		Orthopedic Surgery		Surgery
Dermatology		Otolaryngology		Surgical Oncology
Endocrinology		Pain Management		Therapy Services
Genetics Neuropathology		Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery		(OT / PT / Speech)
Neuroradiology		Psychology
Neurology – Adult / Pediatric		Radiation Oncology